Automatic socket screw wrench

ABSTRACT

A wrench assembly including a series of axially overlapping telescoping wrench segments which are maintained axially relative to one another by an integral spiral spring interconnecting all of the segments. Each segment has a substantially constant wall thickness from one end to the other end with diametrically opposed tabs struck out of the side walls and extending toward one another, about which the spring is spiraled.

nited States Patent Indylr [451 Mar. 28, 1972 [541 AUTOMATIC SOCKET SCREW WRENCH [72] Inventor: Edward F. Indyk, 2707 Wareing Drive,

Lake Orion, Mich. 48035 22 Filed: on. 1,1969

21 Appl.No.: 862,749

[52] U.S.Cl. ..8l/l2l R,8l/l85 [51] Int. Cl ..B25b 13/06 [58] FieldofSearch.... .....8lll77N, 121,185

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,298,261 l/l967 Lynn ..8l/l85 1,997,948 4/1935 Pearson ..8l/185 2,822,714 2/1958 Paparelli ..81/l85X 2,735,325 2/1956 Rudd ..8l/l85 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,123,111 6/1956 France ..8l/l85 Primary Examiner-James L. Jones, Jr, Attorney-McGlynn, Reising, Milton & Ethington, et al.

{57] ABSTRACT A wrench assembly including a series of axially overlapping telescoping wrench segments which are maintained axially relative to one another by an integral spiral spring interconnecting all of the segments. Each segment has a substantially constant wall thickness from one end to the other end with diametrically opposed tabs struck out of the side walls and extending toward one another, about which the spring is spiraled.

'- 1 Claim, 5 Drawing Figures PATENIEnmzs m2 3,651,720

SHEET 1 OF 2 C /wam/ INVENTOR PATENTEU MR 2 8 I972 SHEET 2 [IF 2 AUTOMATIC SOCKET SCREW WRENCH This invention relates to a device which automatically selects the correct socket screw wrench which will fit a particular socket screw, and can turn same.

I-leretofore, to turn a socket head screw, a wrench of proper dimension needed to be selected on a trial and error basis. This invention eliminates this trial and error, for it enables the user to turn a socket screw simply by inserting tool into socket screw and turning.

Another feature of the invention is to keep required wrenches in a compact mass instead of sets, parts of which often become lost. 7

Still another feature of the invention lies in its simplicity of construction, convenience of manipulation, and accuracy and dependability in the performance of its function.

With the above more important objectives and features in view, and such other objectives and features as may become apparent as this specification proceeds, the invention consists essentially of the arrangement and construction of parts as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the invention, with the mechanism cover, shown in FIG. 3, removed to show construction details.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section taken along line 2-2 of FIG. I.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of the invention in perspective showing the socket screw about to select the proper wrench size necessary to turn it.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but with the socket screw engaged by the proper wrench size.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing how remaining wrench segments surround and add strength to the mechanism during operation.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, the invention in one preferred illustrative embodiment consists of l a shank or handle in which are affixed telescoping hexagonal or square or fluted wrench segments 2,9,l0,l1,12,l3,14,l5, and 5, held in relative longitudinal or axial relative position to each other by a spiral spring 3, attached to solid core wrench segment 5, through the coils of which spring are interspersed the tabs 4 of the individual wrench segments 2,9,I0,ll,l2,l3,14, and 15. The spiral spring 3 is attached to solid core wrench segment 5 by slipping small diameter 6 of spring 3 over projection 7 into channel 8, cut into top of solid core wrench segment 5.A cover 16 is used to keep dirt out ofthe mechanism.

The invention can be constructed and fashioned of suitable metal, selected and treated by persons skilled in the art.

It should be noted that each wrench segment is overlong and covers more than half of the next smaller segment, and is in turn covered over more than half of its length by the next larger segment to give the tool a necessary strength.

The gradual increase in length of each larger wrench segment is necessary to accommodate the coiled spiral spring as the segments are telescoped, as well as to accommodate varying socket screw depths.

Assembly of the tool is accomplished in the following manner:

1. Wrench segment 2 is permanently and positively affixed to shank or handle I, by welding or press fit or any sufficient method known to persons skilled in the art.

2. Spiral spring 3 is then threaded onto tab 4 of wrench segment 2, to the approximate point illustrated in FIG. 2.

3. Wrench segment 9 is then threaded onto smallest end of spiral spring 3 until it abuts wrench segment 2.

4. Spiral spring 3 is then overstretched while wrench segment 9 is threaded further toward the larger end of spiral spring 3.

. At a point where release of the overstretched spring 3 will cause wrench segment 9 to take up position in location shown in FIG. 2., which is determined empirically, axially, in relation to segment 2, the segment is aligned with segment 2 and allowed to snap into place. The hexagonal (or square, or fluted) shape of the wrench segments will not permit movement along s iral spring henceforward. 6. Wrench segment 10 is then t readed onto spiral spring 3 and axially located in relative position to segment 9 in the same manner described above. Segments ll, l2, l3, l4, and 15 are assembled to the wrench in similar fashion.

7. Solid core wrench segment 5 is axially located relative to segment 15, and is affixed to spiral spring 3 by extracting and overstretching small end of spiral spring 3 and snapping it into channel 8 of core wrench segment 5, then releasing spring after aligning with wrench segment 15.

The tool is now assembled.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as preferred, and that various changes relative to the material, size, shape and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the claims.

I-laving described the invention, 1 claim:

1. In a wrench, the combination of a series of telescoping wrench segments axially maintained relative to each other by an integral spiral spring interconnecting all of said segments, said segments being successively larger, each of said segments including a peripheral wall with a pair of integral diametrically opposite tabs struck out of said wall at one end of each segment, the wall thickness of each segment being constant therealong, said spring spiraling in an increasing diameter axially through said segments and about the tabs of successive segments. 

1. In a wrench, the combination of a series of telescoping wrench segments axially maintained relative to each other by an integral spiral spring interconnecting all of said segments, said segments being successively larger, each of said segments including a peripheral wall with a pair of integral diametrically opposite tabs struck out of said wall at one end of each segment, the wall thickness of each segment being constant therealong, said spring spiraling in an increasing diameter axially through said segments and about the tabs of successive segments. 